Plaster wall frame structure with stud securing clips



July 25, 1967 O. W. SCHAEFER PLASTER WALL FRAME STRUCTURE WITH STUD SECURING CLIPS Filed Dec. 8, 1964 M \\m\\ \MM INVOR 0110 W. Schuefer ATTORNEY July 25, 1967 o. w. SCHAEFER PLASTER WALL FRAME STRUCTURE WITH STUD SECURING CLIPS Filed Dec. 8, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet NHHHM WW Hm. um

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ATTORNEY July 25, 1967 o. w. SCHAEFER PLASTER WALL FRAME STRUCTURE WITH STUD SECURING CLIPS Filed Dec. 8. 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 CH0 W., S'chaefer E o/2W ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,332,188 PLATER WALL FRAME STRUCTURE WITH TUD SECURING CLIPS Otto W. Schaefer, 1101 Westbrook St., Irving, Tex. 75060 Filed Dec. 8, 1964, Ser. No. 416,866 2 Claims. (Cl. 52349) This invention relates to wall construction, and it has particular reference to improvements in framing elements for the attachment of plaster lath and clips for associating the elements in a plaster wall structure, or in dry-Wall structures in which gypsum board, or other wall board is employed.

It is common practice in the installation of such walls and partitions, whether single or hollow wall structures, to utilize framing members which are channel-shaped in transverse section, and studs of similar cross-sectional form in the construction of single walls, or punched steel or welded wire steel studs in hollow wall structures. Several methods and types of devices are employed in securing the structural elements in framing such walls but few, if any, of such methods and devices afford the de sired flexibility and economy in assembly while providing for the necessary durability.

It is desirable to simplify the construction of such walls and partitions and reduce the time and labor required in framing operations, and an important object of the invention is that of simplifying the erection of wall structures by eliminating unnecessary operations, such as the integration of frame structures by the use of such devices as screws, rivets, welding, or the like, and affording an arrangement by which the parts can be assembled and rigidly secured without the use of drills, chisels, and similar tools required in the erection of conventional Wall structures.

An object of the invention is that of providing a unique channel track element for framing a wall structure and employed as a horizontal track for the floor or ceiling, or partition cap, or as a vertical or terminal member and framed openings, providing internal depending flanges capable of receiving and slidably retaining a series of spaced clips by which studs, and other framing elements can be securely attached with a minimum of effort.

A prime object of the invention resides in the provision of an improved channel clip for securing the studs to the frame structures whereby these elements can be securely fastened at any desired spacings along the horizontal frame members and to the vertical elements, such as at wall abutments, plaster terminals, framed openings, and the like.

A further object of the invention is that of providing a spring clip of simple and economical design and structure, having substantial flexibility, and capable of being easily inserted into the channel elements with a minimum of effort and slidably retained therein whereby to receive and support either a perpendicular stud or channel, or provide means for attachment thereof to a parallel stud or channel member, and whereby the studs can be adjusta'bly spaced in the wall structure to support the plaster lath or dry wallboard, and afford means whereby a practical adjustment can be accomplished to compensate for irregularities in lengths of studs and channels at floor and ceiling heights.

Still another object of the invention is that of providing a channel track element which is free of web deformation, prongs, holes, and the like, which interfere with the rapid and easy installation and attachment of the channel track element to walls, ceilings or floors, and prevent the channel track element from serving the dual purpose of a finished cap for a wall or partition.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of an improved channel clip by which a channel or stud framing element can be inserted laterally therein and thus obviate the necessity for bending or distorting the framing element longitudinally, or splicing the same.

It is an object of the invention to provide a frame structure for plaster walls which can be quickly and economically assembled and the elements adjusted to any desired spacings, and afford an arrangement whereby such structures can be erected by persons of ordinary skill.

While the foregoing objects are paramount, other and lesser objects will become apparent as the description proceeds when considered with the appended drawings wherein:

FIGURE '1 is a fragmentary perspective illustration of a framed wall structure, showing portions cut away, depicting the manner of assembling and securing the elements.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective illustration showing the channel members in horizontal and vertical arrangement, the clip being shown in two of its applications.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective illustration of one form of the spring clip.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the channel frame member showing the clip, in plan, secured therein and illustrating the manner of inserting a stud thereinto, the latter being shown in transverse section.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 in which the stud, shown in transverse section, is positioned in the clip.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view, on line 6-6 of FIGURE 2, showing the clip secured to a vertically arranged channel member in a plastered wall and showing a stud secured thereto by a wire tie, the stud and spacer being shown in transverse section.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of a plastered wall showing the clip applied to a wall track and showing a stud secured thereto, the latter being shown in elevation.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary transverse sectional View of a plastered wall showing a modified clip applied to the wall track member and supporting a stud shown in eleva tion.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective illustration of a modified form of clip wherein the securing flanges are curved outwardly and upwardly.

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary transverse sectional illustion of a hollow wall structure in which a truss steel stud is employed, the modified clip being applied to the wall track and supporting the stud which is shown in elevation, and

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary perspective illustration of a flanged track member having the modified clip secured thereto and showing a truss steel stud supported thereby.

The invention embraces a wall structure comprising several elements capable of being readily joined in an integrated frame to which a plaster lath of conventional design can be attached for the application of plaster on one or both sides to provide a solid or hollow wall. The primary element in the structure comprises a channel plate 10 which can be utilized as a track arranged horizontally along the floor or ceiling, or vertically as an abutment member against an existing wall, or in framing an opening, as in the manner shown in FIGURE 1.

The plate 10 may be of any standard widths, depending upon the type and thickness of the wall, and is formed with opposing flanges 11 and 12 at right-angles to the planar surfaces thereof along each side whereby the plate 10 is generally channel-shaped in transverse section, as shown best in FIGURES 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11. The flanges 11 and 12 are turned inwardly along their outer edges and inclined toward the plate defining opposing keeper elements 13. As depicted in FIGURES 1 and 2 the plate 10 can be mitered to provide right-angular joints between the horizontal and vertical units.

In FIGURE 1 is fragmentarily illustrated in perspective, with cut away portions, a typical frame installation which is shown abutting a masonry wall 14. The frame comprises track units and 16 arranged along the floor, a vertical abutment unit 17 secured to the wall 14 and a top plate unit 18 arranged along the top of the wall, the units 16, 17 and 18 being mitered and joined at 19 and 20. While the top plate unit 18 extends the length of the wall, the unit 16 is joined opposite the abutment unit 17 to a vertical frame member 21 of a door opening 22, the opposite member 23 being connected to the member 21 by a header 24. The unit 15, which is fragmentarily shown, is joined to the lower end of the frame member 23.

The lath 25 is attached by wire ties 26 to channel studs 27 arranged vertically and spaced laterally between the units 15 and 16 and the top plate 18 and supported by clips 28, the latter being shown in detail in FIGURES 3 and 9, and which will be presently described.

It will become apparent that the framing elements embodying the invention are highly flexible in their application and assembly into an integrated structure. Except for the securement of the units 15, 16, 17 and 18 no screws or other devices are required to support the structure. The clips 28 are formed of flexible sheet metal which is characterized by its resiliency whereby when applied to the channel-shaped plate 10, in any unit thereof, the clips 28 will expand and firmly engage the keeper elements 13 on opposite sides thereof and be capable of sliding adjustment to desired spacings.

The clips 28 may assume one of either of the forms illustrated in perspective in FIGURES 3 and 9, or in elevation in FIGURES 6, 7, 8 and 10. In FIGURE 3 is shown a clip 28 which is formed from a sheet metal strip having two right-angular opposing bends 29 and 30 spaced apart whereby to provide substantially parallel planar side portions 31 and 32 connected by a web 33 across one edge which is opposed by an inwardly projecting barb 34 on each of the opposing edges of the elements 31 and 32, the barbs 34 being substantially triangular in outline and being in a plane at right-angles to the planar side portions 31 and 32 and parallel to that of the web 33 whereby to define a substantially rectangular opening 35 between the portions 31 and 32.

The free ends of the side portions 31 and 32 of the clip 28 shown in FIGURE 3 are bent at 36 transversely thereof and extend outwardly and at acute angles to produce a V-shape form and provide flanges 37 and 38 forming resilient means which, when the clips 28 are retracted and placed in the channel-shaped units, flex outwardly and engage the flanges 11 and 12 thereof and extend into the keeper elements 13 formed along these members in the manner shown in FIGURES 4, 5, 6 and 7.

The modification of the clips 28, shown in FIGURE 9, is identical with that illustrated in FIGURE 3 except that the free ends of the side portions 31 and 32 are curved outwardly defining semi-circular troughs, the extreme outer ends 39 being in planes parallel to the planar surfaces of the members 31 and 32, whereby, when the clip 28 is contracted and placed in the channeled units, the members 39 will engage the inwardly inclined keeper elements 13 in the manner shown in FIGURES 8, 9 and 11.

In FIGURES 1 and 2 is illustrated different applications and functions of the clips 28, their primary function being that of supporting the channel studs 27, used in a thin wall structure, and the wider truss steel studs 40 for the hollow wall structures, such as shown in FIGURES 10 and 11. In the latter structure the clips 28, while having the same characteristics as those used in the thin wall structure, are of necessity wider.

In the construction of inside partitions the walls may extend from floor to ceiling, or to a predetermined height so that the top is spaced below the ceiling. The relatively narrow channel studs 27 can be inserted into the rectangular openings 35 of the clips 28 by rotating the same between the barbs 34, as indicated by the arrows in FIG- URE 4, so that the studs 27 assume the position shown in FIGURES l, 2 and 5 and thus be rigidly supported between the top and bottom units 18 and 16 in the wall frame, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

The studs 27 adjacent to the abutment members 17 and the frame members 21 and 23 are supported by the clips 28, which are secured in the same manner as those along the horizontal units 16 and 18, by attaching the studs 27 to the web 33 of the clips 28 by a wire tie 26. When applied in this manner, and in order to prevent the clips 28 from contracting in the channelled units 16, 17 and 18, a short section 41 of a stud 27 is pressed between the side portions 31 and 32 of the clips 28, in the manner shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 6, and lies against the inner surface of the unit 17 and the members 21 and 23, or a full length stud 27 may be used.

Obviously the hollow wall structure, shown fragmentarily in transverse section in FIGURE 10, and in perspective in FIGURE 11, requires that the channelled plate elements be of greater width although the flanges 11 and 12, and the inturned keeper elements 13 are of the same dimension and shape as those by which the thin wall structures are framed, and the wider truss steel studs 40 are installed in the clips 28 in the same manner. The clips 28 provide for exceptional flexibility in the installation of the studs 27 or 40 since these members can be spaced as desired with a minimum of difficulty and provide rigid securing means for abutment installations.

In the thin wall structure the lath 25 is applied to one side but plaster or dry wallboard can be applied to both sides, as shown in FIGURES 6, 7 and 8, and finished. It is contemplated, however, that lath or dry wallboard be applied to both sides of the frame in hollow wall construction, as shown in FIGURE 10. The side flanges 11 and 12 of the marginal units 15, 16, 17 and 18 provide screed guides to insure a straight and regular finished wall surface.

The invention is capable of a variety of modifications in structural details and arrangement of the several elements without departing from the spirit and intent thereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a frame structure for plaster and dry wallboard walls having top, bottom and end marginal channel track elements for securing perpendicular studs thereto, the said marginal elements, comprising sheet metal strips having a web and right angular flanges formed longitudinally of each side defining a channel, each of the said flanges having their outer edges turned inwardly and inclined toward the web of the channel, a plurality of clips slidably arranged in the channel of each of said marginal elements and having resilient means engaging said inwardly turned outer edges of said flanges, and means formed in said clips for receiving and securing the ends of a lath stud in perpendicular spaced alignment and providing for lateral reinforcement of said stud.

2. In a frame structure for plaster or dry wallboard walls having a plurality of marginal track channel members, each having a flange along each longitudinal edge, and a plurality of studs arranged perpendicularly of said marginal members, a clip for supporting the studs in spaced relation along said channel members, the said clip having a body portion having two parallel sides spaced apart and connected by a web, an opening in said body portion between said parallel sides and defined on one side by said web and on its opposite side by a pair of inwardly projecting barbs in opposing arrangement, and resilient means formed with the sides of said body portion 5 engageable with the flanges of said channel members 2,329,542 9/1943 Grotta 52242 whereby said clip is slidably adjustable therealong. 2 903 753 9/1959 Nelsson X References Cited 3,204,382 9/1965 McGurn s2 241 X UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 2,047,145 7/ 1936 Klein 52-349 X JOHN E. MURTAGH, Primary Examiner. 2,057,204 10/ 1936 Peck 52290 

2. IN A FRAME STRUCTURE FOR PLASTER OR DRY WALLBOARD WALLS HAVING A PLURALITY OF MARGINAL TRACK CHANNEL MEMBERS, EACH HAVING A FLANGE ALONG EACH LONGITUDINAL EDGE, AND A PLURALITY OF STUDS ARRANGED PERPENDICULARLY OF SAID MARGINAL MEMBERS, A CLIP FOR SUPPORTING THE STUDS IN SPACED RELATION ALONG SAID CHANNEL MEMBERS, THE SAID CLIP HAVING A BODY PORTION HAVING TWO PARALLEL SIDES SPACED APART AND CONNECTED BY A WEB, AN OPENING IN SAID BODY PORTION BETWEEN SAID PARALLEL SIDES AND DEFINED ON ONE SIDE BY SAID WEB AND ON ITS OPPOSITE SIDE BY A PAIR OF INWARDLY PROJECTING BARBS IN OPPOSING ARRANGEMENT, AND RE- 